Bringing Research Data Management to Academic Libraries

Abstract

Modern research institutions are faced with rapidly increasing challenges imposed by data-driven science and have to deal with new demands from funding agencies and publishers regarding open access to research data as well as from the Code of Conduct for Research Integrity on reproducibility of results. In reply to these requirements, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has adapted a two-fold strategy of bringing together decision-makers, relevant support units in the administration and researchers from all departments for the task of designing policies and services in alignment with common traditions in the different fields of research. This mixed “bottom-up” / “top-down” approach ensures that best practices  for research data management can be implemented in the daily routines of employees in a practical and supportive way while ensuring that the researchers can live up to all relevant administrative, legal and ethical standards. 

In this presentation, we will show how DTU Library has taken over a central position in this process by investigating the needs and demands from researchers in the different fields, drafting procedures and guidelines for research data management and establishing support functions and training for all aspects  of the data life cycle. Within this new and complex area, the creation of new positions for research data management at the library in addition to an optimal utilization of existing resources and knowledge has 
been crucial for building up the necessary expertise and thus for the success of the strategy. 

Authors
Falco Jonas Hüser, PhD
Project Officer – Research Data Management
email: falh@dtu.dk
ORCiD 0000-0001-9645-6691
Paula Maria Martinez Lavanchy, PhD
Project Officer – Research Data Management
email: paml@dtu.dk
ORCiD 0000-0003-1448-0917